Comments on: The Bomb-Proof Roll Controversy (Video)

By: Moulton Avery

Moulton Avery — Wed, 17 Sep 2025 03:45:00 +0000

I have long objected to the term “bomb-proof” roll, and I frequently get a lot of nasty pushback when I do so. I think the objections largely come from people who haven’t thought much about the issue. All the experts I know are in agreement that “eventually we all swim”. At some point, in other words, the roll fails. If you’re a superb paddler and athlete like Dane Jackson, that very rarely happens. If you’re a lesser mortal, it can happen at any time for a wide variety of reasons. If you believe your roll is “bomber”, why bother to learn, let alone practice, solo or assisted rescues.

In my experience, nothing will get your ass handed to you faster in the great outdoors than complacency and a cocky attitude. On the other hand, humility in the face of pitting your skill against Mother Nature dramatically improves your chance of avoiding trouble and improving survival potential.

By: JayDee Kayaker

JayDee Kayaker — Fri, 12 Sep 2025 20:34:24 +0000

Like Dimitri, I paddle with people who practice self- and assisted rescues regularly and sometimes have to do them for real. And I also have no problem posting videos showing my own mistakes and/or swims or, always with permission, those of others. If something can be learned, that is. But that is usually the case. And like Dimitri, I have received disrespectful, condescending and ignorant comments, among the majority of positive, knowledgeable and encouraging ones we usually get.

There is no such thing as a bomb-proof roll. If you don’t swim now and then, you are not trying hard enough! My pool roll is >99% reliable. My combat roll only about 80 – 90%. That is better than most of my paddle companions. But it does mean I swim on roughly every tenth paddle. Not a big thing! The rescue is just for real then, rather than for practice.

By: Bob G

Bob G — Thu, 11 Sep 2025 20:01:58 +0000

I agree with Julián–these 2 paddlers handled the rough water recoveries very well, and the management of the separated paddler/kayak in rough water was textbook–quick, efficient. No roll, however reliable, is 100% “bombproof” in rough, dynamic conditions, and having the other tools in the toolbox ready to go is essential.

By: Julián

Julián — Thu, 11 Sep 2025 18:48:08 +0000

Lo único que veo es dos tipos que en ningún momento pierden la calma y que saben lo que hacen.
Es evidente que no es la primera vez que se ven en una de esas.